The reason there are not more links in the chain is that John started his family later than most at the time (26 years old), and William Jr. got married a second time in his mature age, after his first wife died back in Missouri.

He was born November 13, 1827 in Ashland County, OH. He first married Sarah Baird / Beard on February 6, 1849 in Wayne County, OH. She died on May 17, 1882 in Randolph County, MO. (see the William Ryland and Sarah Baird post). Then William Ryland married Hannah Jane Vickers on December 4, 1883 in South Haven, Sumner Co., KS. He died May 21, 1888 in South Haven. He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, South Haven.

Judy Mayfield took the photo, and the others linked in this post. Thanks.

Hanna Jane Vickers

She was born September 23, 1860 in Warren County, KY. But according to the 1870, 1880, and 1900 Censuses she was born in 1861, but I prefer the family tradition. Then Hannah Jane Ryland married Carl Frederickson on April 3, 1890, in Portland, Sumner County, KS. She died December 27, 1902 in South Haven, Sumner County, KS and is buried in South Haven Cemetery.

More about her

Bessie May’s handwritten account and the 1885 Kansas State Census, Guelph Township, Sumner County, say Hannah went by the nickname Janie, so that what she is called in this post. Vivian Schutz, daughter of Willis Vickers, younger brother of Hannah Jane, in a letter to me dated November 8, 1994, said that Hannah Jane possibly died of cancer (or maybe it was Hannah’s sister-in-law Elizabeth; the wording in the letter is ambiguous). In another letter from Ms. Schutz, dated November 28, 1994, she said that Jennie (Jennie’s brother and Vivian’s father Willis called her by that name) probably went to country dances with her brother Willis. Her church affiliation was Methodist, according to the Frederickson family history sent to me by Vivian Schutz. The family history was probably put together by one of the grandchildren of Carl Frederickson and Hannah Jane.

Photo of Hannah Jane Vickers Ryland Frederickson

DNA show that her heritage is European Mediterranean (Portugal or Spain or Italy or Greece (probably Spain), not Native American.

Go here to this marriage index, where her marriage to William and then Carl Frederickson is recorded. Scroll down to Sumner County and click on “R” for Ryland:

With the exception of the 1885 Census (see below), if you want to see William Ryland’s Census records, please go to his and his first wife’s post: William Ryland and Sarah Baird.

1870

1870 Census of the United States

Elk Spring District, County of Warren, Kentucky

Post Office: Smith’s Grove

Names

Age

Sex

Color

Occupation

Value: Real, Personal

Origins

Vickers J. T.

45

M

W

Farmer

200 (personal)

KY

— Eliza Ann

41

F

W

Keeping House

D[itt]o

— Nancy Ann

20

F

W

At home

Do

— John T

18

M

W

At home

Do

— Malinda F.

15

F

W

At home

Do

— Samuel J

12

M

W

At home

Do

Haner [sic] J

9

F

W

At home

Do

Mary E

2

F

W

At home

Do

Names (cont.)

Birth, Marital Status

Education

Male, US Citizen +21

Health

Vickers J. T.

Cannot read or write

Yes

— Eliza Ann

Cannot read or write

— Nancy Ann

— John T

Attended school within yr., but also cannot write

— Malinda F.

Attended school

— Samuel J

Attended school within yr. but cannot read or write

Haner [sic] J

Mary E

Page 11. Dwelling no. in order of visitation: 76; Family no. in order of visitation: 82. It seems the Vickers family was not wealthy, not as much as the Rylands at the same time in OH and MO. It should be noted that the Vickers lived next to two Black families, above and below in the list (“Color” category is marked “B”).

1880

1880 Census of the United States

Elk Spring, Warren County, Kentucky

Names

Color

Sex

Age

Relationship

Marital Status

Occupation

Vickers, James

W

M

56?

Married

Farmer

— Eliza

W

F

53

W[ife]

Married

House keeping

— Jane?

W

F

19

Daughter

Single

At home

— Illegible

W

F

11

Daughter

Single

“ “

— Willis

W

M

6

Son

Single

“ “

Illegible, Ben

B

M

11?

Laborer

Single

Farming

Names (cont.)

Health

Education

Place of Birth

Father’s POB

Mother’s POB

Vickers, James

KY

VA?

Illegible

— Eliza

Cannot read or write

KY

Ky

Ky

— Jane

“

“

“

— Illegible

Cannot write

KY

“

“

— Willis

?

KY

“

“

Illegible, Ben

Cannot read or write

KY

KY

KY

Dwelling no. in order of visitation: 82; family no. in order of visitation: 91; enumerated on 8 day of June 1880. This Census copy was difficult to read (smudge marks on names). Ben, marked “B” in “Color” category, may be 31. The youngest son was marked “cannot read / cannot write,” but then the census taker seems to have crossed that out.

March 1, 1885

Sumner County, Kansas. Kansas State has a mid-decade Census, which was enumerated March 1, 1885. This is good fortune. Now we can find Floyd (Frank / Slim) R. in his first census, which is just about as good as a birth certificate, especially since it did not go back that far, in Kansas. Unfortunately, the census taker’s handwriting was sloppy, so Floyd’s age is difficult to decipher, but it appears to be 5 months; the census taker scribbles out an “m,” which stands for month.

1885 Kansas State Census

Guelph Township, Sumner County, Kansas

Name

Age

Sex

Race

Married

Single

Widow

Occupation

POB

Where from to KS?

Wm Ryland

57

M

W

Yes

Farmer

OH

MO

Janie “

25

F

W

Yes

KY

KY

Floyd R “

5 m

M

W

Yes

KS

Census date is March 1, 1885. KS has a mid-decade census. All dwelling homes and families are marked with a 1 or / or I. Age is at last birthday; the top line on the page is filled in with farmer, and all other names have the ditto mark (“); that is, they’re all farmers. Floyd R’s age is illegible.

Dwelling no. in order of visitation: 92; family no. in order of visitation: 92. Enumerated on 8th day of June 1900. The Census data, not included in this Table, say that Carl Frederickson immigrated in 1866, and had lived in US for 33 years. So he was 17 when he took the big step. The 1910 Census (Sheet 6B, Guelph Township, Sumner Co., KS) shows him by himself, at 60 years old, “single” (not “widowed”) a farmer, renting a farm, not naturalized.

MARRIAGE LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE

A transcription follows:

STATE OF KANSAS

County of Sumner, ss

OFFICE OF PROBATE JUDGE OF SAID COUNTY

Be it remembered, That on the 26th day of November AD 1883, there was issued from the office of said Probate Judge, a Marriage License, of which the following is a true copy:

MARRIAGE LICENCE

Sumner County, State of Kansas, November26th AD 1883.

To any Person Authorized by Law to Perform the Marriage Ceremony, — Greeting:

You are hereby authorized to join in Marriage William Ryland of Sumner County aged 56 years, and Hannah J. Vicus [sic] of Sumner County aged 23 years, and of this License you will make due return to my office within thirty days.

(SEAL) J. N. King, Probate Judge

And which said Marriage License was afterwards, to wit: on the 7th day of December AD 1883 returned to said Probate Judge, with the following Certificate endorsed thereon, to wit:

STATE OF KANSAS

County of Sumner, ss

I, James M. Via do hereby certify, that in accordance with the authorization of the within License, I did on the 4 day of December AD 1883, at bride’s father’s in said County, join and unite in Marriage the within named William Ryland and Hannah J. Vickus [sic]

WITNESS my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Attest:

J. N. King, Probate Judge

James M. Via

Preacher of Gospel

DEEDS

They are about land transactions.

October 5, 1882

Boone County, MO, and Sumner County KS. William Ryland and his son Martin Luther (Frank / Slim’s father and much older half-brother, though Slim is not yet born) buy 160 acres of land from Franklin and Nancy E. Bridges, for $1600.00. Recall that William arrived in Sumner County in March 1883, and Martin was a clerk for the school board in 1881. So William used his son as an agent to buy the property. William now lives in Guelph Township.

The deed says:

DEED RECORD.

This Indenture made this 5th day of October AD 1882 between Franklin Bridges and Nancy E Bridges by Willis Bridges their attorney in fact of Chafee County in the State of Colorado of the first part, and William Ryland and Martin L Ryland of Boone County, and State of Missouri of the second part:

Witnesseth, that said parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of sixteen hundred (1600) DOLLARS, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, do by these presents, Grant, Bargain, Sell and Convey unto said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, all the following described REAL ESTATE, situated in the County of Sumner, and State of Kansas, to wit:

South West quarter (1/4) Section Twenty-seven (27) Township Thirty-four (34) South of Range One (1) East of 6’ principal meridian, containing one hundred and sixty (160) acres according to U.S. Survey thereof

This grant given subject to one certain mortgage of $800 which the said party of the second part hereby assume and is considered part of the purchase money of said tract.

To Have and to Hold the Same, together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining forever: And said Franklin Bridges and Nancy E. Bridges for themselves & their heirs, executors or administrators, do hereby covenant, promise and agree to and with said parties of the second part, that at the delivery of these presents they are lawfully seized in their own right, of an absolute and indefensible estate of inheritance in fee simple, of and in all and singular the above granted and described premises, with the appurtenances – that the same are free, clear, discharged and unincumbered of and from all former and other grants, titles, charges, estates, judgments, taxes, assessments, and incumbrances, of what nature or kind soever; and that they will WARRANT AND FOREVER DEFEND the same unto said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns against said parties of the first part, their heirs and assigns against said parties of the first part their heirs and all and every person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same.

In Witness Whereof, the said parties of the first part have thereunto set their hands the day and year first written above written.

Franklin Bridges

Nancy E. Bridges

By Willis Bridges their attorney in fact

State of Kansas, Sumner County, ss.

Be It Remembered, That on this 5th day of October A.D. 1882, before me the undersigned a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid came Franklin Bridges & Nancy E. Bridges his wife by Willis Bridges their atty in fact who are personally known to me to be the same persons who executed the within instrument of writing and such persons duly acknowledged the execution of the same.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal, the day and year last above written.

[Notarial Seal]

D. C. Millard Notary Public

Commission expires Aug 12’ 1884

The instrument of which the foregoing is a true copy, was filed for record the 5’ day of October A. D. 1882, at 3 o’clock P.M.

T. A. Hubbard, Register of Deeds

Transcription ends.

October 30, 1882

Sumner County, Kansas. William Ryland and John Henry Dingman, William’s son-in-law by his daughter Sarah (Sadie) Almira, buy 160 acres from Carl Frederickson, for $1200.00. So Carl sold land to his future wife’s future first husband. Carl will be her second husband and she will be his first wife.

The whole thing works out like this:

William married Sarah Baird, in February 1849, in OH; they move to MO in fall 1857. They have six children.

Sarah dies in May 1882, back in MO; so William is free to move to KS, to join most of his kids, by March 1883. His youngest Benjamin Franklin helped him move.

Carl Frederickson, a single man, sells land to William on October 30, 1882 (see the next deed)

William marries Hannah Jane (Janie) Vickers in December 1883. They have Floyd / Frank / Slim (1884) and Bessie May (1886).

William dies in May 1888.

Carl and Janie marry in April 1890 and have three children.

Before Janie’s second marriage to Carl, he is named as a single man in the next deed. It says:

DEED RECORD.

This Indenture made this 30th day of October AD 1882 between Carl Frederickson unmarried of Sumner County in the State of Kansas of the first part, and William Ryland and J. H. Dingman of Boone County, and State of Missouri of the second part:

Witnesseth, that said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of Twelve hundred DOLLARS, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, do by these presents, Grant, Bargain, Sell and Convey unto said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, all the following described REAL ESTATE, situated in the County of Sumner, and State of Kansas, to wit:

West half of the North East quarter (1/4) and East half of the North West quarter (1/4) of Section Thirty-four (34) Township Thirty-four (34) South of Range One (1) East of 6’ principal meridian, containing one hundred and sixty (160) acres according to U.S. Survey thereof

This grant given subject to one certain mortgage of $800 which the said party of the second part hereby assume and is considered part of the purchase money of said tract.

To Have and to Hold the Same, together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining forever: And said Carl Frederickson for himself & his heirs, executors or administrators, do hereby covenant, promise and agree to and with said parties of the second part, that at the delivery of these presents he is lawfully seized in his own right, of an absolute and indefensible estate of inheritance in fee simple, of and in all and singular the above granted and described premises, with the appurtenances – that the same are free, clear, discharged and unincumbered of and from all former and other grants, titles, charges, estates, judgments, taxes, assessments, and incumbrances, of what nature or kind soever; and that he will WARRANT AND FOREVER DEFEND the same unto said parties of the second part their heirs and assigns against said party of the first part, their heirs and assigns against said party of the first part his heirs and all and every person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same.

In Witness Whereof, the said party of the first part has thereunto set his hand the day and year first written above written.

Carl Frederickson

State of Kansas, Sumner County, ss.

Be It Remembered, That on this 5th day of October A.D. 1882, before me the undersigned a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid came Carl Frederickson single who is personally known to me to be the same persons who executed the within instrument of writing and such persons duly acknowledged the execution of the same.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial seal, the day and year last above written.

[Notarial Seal]

D. C. Millard Notary Public

Commission expires Aug 12’ 1884

The instrument of which the foregoing is a true copy, was filed for record the 30’ day of October A. D. 1882, at 3 o’clock P.M.

T. A. Hubbard, Register of Deeds

Transcription ends.

JANIE’S LETTERS TO DAUGHTER BESSIE

By far these two letters are the most precious documents in the entire Ryland family history. They reveal Hannah Jane’s voice, values, love for her daughter, day-to-day concerns, struggles, her enjoyment of life, and her commitment to her church.

Recall that she had married Carl Frederickson in April 1890, so that’s why she signs the second letter J. F. Also, Janie calls William Ryland “Willie” and mentions Lizzie. This is most likely Martin’s and Lizzie’s son William Thomas, for the letter is too early for Lizzie’s second marriage to William Kendall. These two letters seem around the same time, discussing Bessie’s transition to higher education. Bessie’s “brothers” refers to the sons whom her father William Ryland had with his first wife Sarah who died in May 1882, back in Missouri, so they are actually her much-older half-brothers. Here again are William and Sarah’s offspring, or Bessie’s older half-brothers and half-sisters:

Arminda Eunice (1849-1911)

Lucius Marion (1852-1911)

Martin Luther (1854-1903)

William Kendall (1857-1939)

Sarah Almira (1862-1931)

Benjamin Franklin (1865-1925?)

Also mentioned in the letters are persons like Lonzo and Ada and Tommy and Mollie. These are most likely friends of the family, known through church and from neighboring farms. Lonzo seems like one of Bessie’s suitors.

In these two letters, Janie’s spelling and vocabulary and sentence structure are left just as they are. For me, they are charming and authentic.

The first letter is undated.

Dear Bessie, as Ada is writing I must write you a few lines and tell you Willie Ryland was here yesterday him and Lizzie came out he went back today he sayd he would [careted in:] /like/ to see you said if you had a certificate now he could get you a School down there at $40 per month. So now you must work hard for the harder you work the sooner you will get there and then we will all help you get a School. I think any of you [sic] Brothers will be willing to help you if you carry your self straight and keep good company Willie says he would be glad to see you make something out of yourself.

And now Bessie you are among strangers now you must remember you will have to be very careful so you wont be talked about for People will watch you more than they do here where every body no’es you and then are always here every thing that goes on any way. So I must close for this time asking you to write soon to your mother.

Transcription ends.

This is the second letter. Keep in mind that she died on December 27, 1902.

1

Portland Kans

Sept 22 1902

Dear Bessie

I will attempt to answer youre letter witch was received today. I writen to you last night and give you a scolding for not writing sooner but it rained all the morning so I could not send it off so whin I sent for the mail and got [careted in:] /your/ letter I made up my mind you was a pretty good Girl and if you will write to me once a week I won’t scold you any more you don’t know how we miss you it seems like you have bin gone a month now

2

well how is the carnavel I would have liked to have bin ther to hear the Band but I don’t think now I will be able to come this week but I will be up before I go to O.K. if I have any chance to Send those things to you I will send them I think maybe some of Mrs. Rendons boys will come up one day Frank was here Friday and he said they would come if the [sic] could get off. Ada was aiming to come up to morrow if she does you can send my Teeth

3

by her I will be over there the last of the week I think the dentist charged a plenty for the work but that is better than to get a new plate I cant hardly do with out them.

Well Bessie I did not go to church yesterday. Mrs. Clark and family came up and Spent the day she says for me to tell you that you went a way just one day to soon Lonzo came up the next day and was aiming to come up here and found you was gone he was verry mutch disappointed but said he was

4

coming up there one day this week to the carnaval and I think some one else was disappointed that Sunday eve Mr. Owens and his Mother came over and spent the eve with us he thought of taking you the ride he promised you on your birth day but he said he thought he would come up one day this week and if Fess [or Tess] comes I don’t see how you Girls will get a long with so many whin you write you must tell me witch one you tuck care of I guess the Brayman fellow

5

is thinking some of trying to beat some body elses time from what I heard Sunday but you no what I toled you before you went up there I had rather you would not have any company while you are in school you may corispond with Lonzo if he wants to but don’t try to write to any one else for it will take up to mutch of youre time for I am going to look for my letter every week and I want you to keep youre mind on your book are you will mis that gold watch

6

I am going to get you.

Well Bessie we have a new organist for Sunday School Miss Hamlet and Miss Mable Yering for League we had a good League last Sunday night but I did not get to go last night I was invited to a select party down to Tommies Mollie and my self and Dr. Hollingworth was the crowd but the music box didn’t come so we give up an [sic] will have to try it over again in the near Future.

Well I will have to close and go to bed for I haven’t slept any since 12 o clock last night and am liable to be called out before morning so good night write soon to your loving mother J. F.

Transcription ends.

WILLIAM RYLAND’S OBITUARY

May 26, 1888, Saturday. South Haven New Era Newspaper, Sumner County, Kansas. William Ryland’s obituary was printed up on that date. Since died on Monday and his obituary appeared on Saturday, May 26, we can be sure that he died in May 21, 1888. His widow is Hannah Janie Vickers, and his two small children are Frank Ryland and his sister Bessie. For his five grown children, see their post. Finally, Bessie says her middle name was taken from a Rev. May, a neighbor. He preached at William’s funeral.

Transcription follows:

DIED.

On Monday morning at his residence near Portland, Wm Ryland, aged 61 years.

In his death one of our old and respected citizens is taken from us. A man whose influence was for good, and whose life was a blessing to those with whom he associated. For forty years he was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a consistent Christian. He was a man respetected [sic], trusted, and honored by his neighbors, and beloved by all who knew him.

He leaves six children, four sons and two daughters grown up into manhood and womanhood. Five of these children are living here in South Haven. He also leaves a widow, his second wife, and two small children. These all have the sincerest sympathy of the whole community which will long cherish a pleasant memory of the departed. His funeral was preached Tuesday morning at the M. E. Church by Elder May.

See Carl Frederickson and Janie’s post for her obituary.

WILLIAM’S PROBATE RECORDS

April 23, 1888

The will of William Ryland. He was a prosperous, hardworking farmer. He took care of his family in his Will, especially little Frank and Bessie May, his two youngest by Hannah Jane. Four hundred dollar for them, not to mention compounded with interest until they reach twenty years old, was a huge amount in 1888. By comparison, in William’s Inventory and Appraisement (see below), two mules were valued at $150.00, a two-year-old colt at $50.00, three cows at $60.00, and an organ at $75.00. The other children in this will are from his first marriage with Sarah Beard (or Baird). So they are Frank’s and Bessie’s much older half-brothers and half-sisters.

Transcription follows:

I William Ryland of Sumner County State of Kansas being aware of the uncertainty of life and in failing health but of Sound mind and memory do make and declare this to be my last will and testament in manner following to wit

First

I give devise and bequeath unto my wife Hannah Jane Ryland all my household furniture and goods and Organ Buggy and Harness and one Team of Horses or mules and one Wagon and one set double Harness and her to have choice of Team that I may have at my death. and all farming utencils [sic] that I may have on my farm at my death. and three choice cows also ten choice Hogs I also Bequeath to my wife Hannah Jane Ryland the East half (½) of the North West quarter (¼) and the West half (½) of the North East quarter (¼) of Section Thirty four (34) Township Thirty four (34) Range one east To have and to Hold as her own her heirs and assigns forever in lieu of her dowery [sic] to which she is entitled to [sic] by Law said Land being my present farm and place of residence

Second

I give devise and bequeath to my Daughter Arminda Eunice Brown the South half (½) of the North West quarter (¼) of Section Thirty five (35) Township Thirty four (34) Rang [sic] one (1) East to Have and to Hold as her own during her natural life and at her death her present heirs are to inherit the same

Third

I give devise and bequeath to my four sons Lucious Marion Ryland_ Martin Luther Ryland_ William Kendle Ryland_ Benjamin Franklin Ryland the following described Real estate to wit Lots 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 & 8 being the North half of Section Three (3) Township Thirty five (35) Range one (1) east

To Have and to Hold as their own their heirs and assigns forever on the following condition to wit That they jointly pay to my Daughter Sarah Almira Dingman the sum of Two Hundred dollars

Fourth

I give devise and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Almira Dingman The North half (½) of the South East quarter (¼) of section Four (4) Township Thirty five (35) Range one (1) East to have and to hold as her own her heirs and assigns forever

Fifth

I give devise and bequeath to my son Floyd Rucker Ryland the East half (½) of the North East quarter (¼) of Section Thirty four (34) Township Thirty four (34) Range one (1) east To Have and to Hold as his own his heirs and assigns forever Also Four Hundred Dollars in cash said Four Hundred Dollars shall be kept out on Compound interest secured by Mortgage on real estate untill [sic] he becomes twenty years of age

Sixth

I give devise and bequeath to my Daughter Bessie May Ryland the North half (½) of the North West quarter (¼) of Section Thirty five (35) Township Thirty four (34) Range one (1) east the same to have and to Hold as her own her heirs and assigns forever and also Four Hundred Dollars in Cash the said Four Hundred Dollars to be kept out on Compound interest secured by Mortgage on Real estate untill [sic] she becomes twenty years of age

Seventh

All of the foregoing described Lands in this Will are situated in the County of Sumner and State of Kansas

Eight

And I nominate and Appoint as Executors of this my last will and testament my wife Hannah Jane Ryland and my son Martin Luther Ryland

Ninth

And I further direct that all my debts and claims that may be against the foregoing described Real estate at my death be paid out of any money not herein mentioned

Tenth

I further direct that in event should Floyd Rucker Ryland die without leaving any bodily heirs that Bessie May Ryland shall inherit his part named in this will or in case Bessie May Ryland should die leaving no bodily heirs then Floyd Rucker Ryland is to inherit her portion named in this will

Eleventh

I further direct that the Executors shall rent the Lands bequeathed to Floyd Rucker Ryland and Bessie May Ryland and use the proceeds to pay the Tax of said Lands and schooling and other necessary expenses of theirs

Twelfth

I further direct that should both Floyd Rucker Ryland and Bessie May Ryland die leaving no bodily heirs then their portion after defraying the necessary expenses shall be equally divided with my wife [careted in:] /and/ above named children

Thirteenth

I further direct that the remainder of my Estate after paying necessary funeral Expenses shall be equally divided with my wife and Eight named Children and any other land that I may own at the time of my death shall be sold by the Executors for division

Fourteenth

I further direct that if my wife Hannah Jane and my son Floyd Rucker and my Daughter Bessie May Ryland should all die leaving no bodily heirs- my other named Children in this will shall be considered the Legal heirs of their Estate

Lastly

If at any time during my life I should sell or dispose of any piece of land that I have given devised and bequeathed to my wife or any of the foregoing named Children they shall be entitled to the amount received therefor unless I should hereafter make other provisions in this will

This Will is made in Lieu of a will made and executed by me on the 26th day of January AD 1887

In Witness Whereof I William Ryland to this my last will and testament have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of April AD 1888

Wm Ryland

Signed sealed and declared by William Ryland as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names hereunto as witnesses thereof

F A Hunt South Haven Sumner Co Kansas

Lee Keck ” ” ” ” “

Mollie Sharp Portland Kansas

Curtiss Keck South Haven “

State of Kansas}

ss

Sumner County}

William Ryland personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the County and State aforesaid and duly acknowledged the Execution of the foregoing instrument of writing to be his Voluntary act and deed

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Notorial [sic] Seal this 23rd day of April 1888

F. A. Hunt

Notary Public

My Com Exps Feb 18th 1892

Transcription ends.

July 17 and 21 and August 6, 1888

Inventory and Appraisement; Appointment of Appraisers (July 17); Oath of Appraisers (July 21); and the Final Validity of their Account (Aug. 6). This document means that appraisers went out to the farm to value the goods, chattels and personal effects.

APPOINTMENT OF APPRAISERS

State of Kansas, Sumner County, ss

The State of Kansas to J T May Lee Keck and J N Dunaway:

You are hereby appointed to appraise on oath, the personal estate and effect, comprised in the inventory of the estate of William Ryland deceased, at such time and place as may be designated by the Executors of said estate.

Witness my hand and official seal at Wellington in said County this 17th day of July 1888 [L.S.]

J. T. Sanders, Probate Judge

OATH OF APPRAISERS

State of Kansas, Sumner County, ss.

We, the undersigned, disinterested householders of said County, do solemnly swear that we will truly, honestly and impartially appraise the personal property of the estate of William Ryland deceased, which shall be exhibited to us, and perform such other duties as may be required by law in the premises, to the best of our knowledge and ability. So help us God.

Lee Keck

J N Dunaway

J. T. May

Appraisers

Subscribed and sword to before me this 21 day of July 1888

F A. Hunt, JP

I hereby certify the foregoing to be a full, true, complete, and perfect copy of the original Inventory, Appraisement, and Allowances of the Personal Property, etc., in the above matter, together with all indorsements [sic] thereon and as returned and filed in my office.

Probate Judge

State of Kansas

Sumner County, SS

In the Probate Court of said County

In the Matter of the Estate of William Ryland} Inventory and Appraisement, etc. No. 1110

Estimate and Appraisement of

the Personal Property and Effects of Said Estate

STATEMENT OF ALL GOODS AND CHATTELS OF SAID ESTATE

Description of Property

Estimate of Val.

2 Mules

150

2 Ponies

30

18 Hogs

35

1 [Two] year old colt

50

2/5 of 40 acres wheat at 50 ct bus

1/3 ” 15 ” oats @ 15 cts bus

1/3 ” 50 ” corn ” 5.00 per acre

83

33

all ” 47 ” ” ” 5.00 ” “

235

” ” 25 ” oat at 12½ ct bus in field

10 Head 3 yr old steer @ $33.

330

16 ” 2 ” ” ” ” $25.

368

26 ” 1 yr old steers & Heifers ” $15.

390

60 ” cows ” $16.

960

38 ” calves ” $6.

228

3 ” Bulls 20

60

1/3 of 15 acre corn

20

610 bus wheat @ 50 ct per bus

305

45 acre Millit

200

3 Notes $120.00 Each

360

Bushels Wheat @

” Oats @

3804

33

Begin inventory here by setting off for the widow what she is entitled for Remainder on other side

We the undersigned, do solemnly swear that we are the above-named Administrators of the estate and effects of William Ryland Executors of the last will and testament of William Ryland deceased; that the within, foregoing and above inventory is in all respects just and true; that it contains a true statement of all the estate and property of the said deceased which has come to our knowledge, and particularly of all moneys, bank bills, and other circulating medium belonging to said deceased, and of all just claims of said deceased against our selves and all other persons, according to the best of our knowledge. So help us God.

Hannah J & M. L. Ryland [seal]

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of August AD 188__

F. A. Hunt, [crossed out: Probate Judge] JP [Justice of the Peace]

Transcription ends.

FAMILY TRADITIONS

If anyone out there has more family traditions, email us. Tell us how you descend from this early pioneer family.

In all these traditions, I leave in the Old School way of writing

Mary E. Mansfield Letters

William Mansfield married Mary E. Haynes and migrated to Kyle, Hays County, TX. She wrote to her brother J. P. Haynes in Warren County, KY. Samuel is Hannah Jane’s older brother.

Source: Rev. Marrietta Mansfield, A Letter to Allan and Jeannette Cox, February 1977.

5 Mar. 1888

Cousin Sam Vickers then left here the same year then he came (1881) landed back here a few days ago from Kansas with his wife & little boy 6 months old willing to make Texas his home. He was sick of Kansas. He is living on the same farm that I am living on, in a few hundred yards ahead of me.

17 Dec. 1890

Cousin Sam Vickers is working for me. I give him $15.00 per month & board him & do his washing. He went to Oklahoma last year & they had such a “drouth” they did not make anything there & the people are on sufferance, not even enough to keep the people from starving. I sent Sam money to come back on for he did not have it & he is such a good hand to work & I wanted a good hand so I could send Alongo [sic] to school.

From Mary E. Mansfield

September 15, 1935

Letter from Willis A. Vickers to Arch Frederickson (uncle-nephew relationship). Willis is Janie’s brother. This is only part of one paragraph. The occasion is that Emma, Willis’ sister, died. The letter now mentions Bessie (Ryland) Trebbe and Frank Ryland.

Had a nice letter from Bessie a short time ago. Said her and Frank were both away from home when Emma died or could have come over. Also said he had quite an operation some time ago for a hernia which had bothered him quite a bit in his work as he was on his feet so much.

The rest of the letter is not directly related to our family, so I won’t transcribe it here.

July 1935

Here is the funeral announcement about Mary Emma’s death, though the name of the newspaper or the date is not copied in the clipping sent to me by Vivian Schutz, daughter of Willis Vickers, Janie’s brother. But to judge from Willis’ letter (see above), the announcement was probably published in July 1935. Frank and Bessie know the deceased as Aunt Emma.

Soap Lake Resident Answers Final Summons

Mrs. Mary Price, 67, for twenty years a residence of the Soap Lake district [in WA] and an aunt of Mrs. J. N. Bowen of this city, passed away at Soap Lake last Friday evening after an illness of several months. Funeral services were held Sunday by Rev. Scudder of the Mission church at Soap Lake under the direction of the Jenkins Funeral home of Ephrata. Appropriate songs were rendered by a mixed quartet with a special number sung by Loyal Houghton. Internment was made in the Ephrata cemetery.

Mary Emma Vickers was born near Smiths Grove on Jan. 25, 1868.Early in life she moved with her parents from Kentucky to Kansas, where she grew up and married to Dr. H. W. Lawhead, and at the opening of the Indian Territory they secured a homestead near Crescent City, Oklahoma. After the death of Dr. Lawhead she came west to Seattle where she met and married Chas. J. Price, a contractor. Together they settled on a ranch at the head of Soap Lake about twenty years ago, where they lived until the death of her husband May 6, 1930, and who was laid to rest in the Ephrata cemetery, where the remains of Mrs. Price will likewise rest.

With her husband she joined the Adrian Grange, and has been a loyal and faithful member, and the pall bearers were selected from this organization in honor to her loyalty and support of this order.

At an early age she embraced the Christian faith and was baptized into the Methodist Church. For many years her church work has been mostly administering to the needs of those about her.

Mrs. Price comes from a family of nine children, having four brothers and four sisters, who have all preceded her in death except one brother, W. A. Vickers of Weatherford, Okla., who was present at her bedside at the time of her death, and together with his wife, endeavored to relieve her suffering during her last hours. She has been a continuous sufferer from an asthma condition for nearly two years, during which time she has borne her affliction with patience. During most of this time her niece Mrs. J. N. Bowen, has ministered to her needs, but for the past few months has been under the care of Mrs. George Waltho, at the Waltho Hotel and Sanitarium in Soap Lake.

In addition to her brother she leaves a score of nieces and nephews and a host of friends to mourn her loss. The many beautiful flowers contributed in sprays and bouquets from friends and relatives, gave evidence of the esteem with which she was held by all who knew her.

Transcription ends.

November 8, 1994

This is part of a letter from Vivian Schutz, who is the daughter of Willis Vickers, brother of Hannah Jane (Vickers) Ryland. Ms. Schutz calls Hannah “Jennie,” because her father Willis did so. Eliza is called grandma, because she is Willis’ and Janie’s mother. Husband of Eliza and father of Willis and Janie is James T. Vickers. He indeed moved from Kentucky to Kansas and died and was buried in Kansas. His probate records prove this. Ms. Schutz was 82 years old when she wrote this letter. She enjoys the memories of someone who knew those who lived when Eliza Ann and Hannah Jennie did. Her letters gives a glimpse into their lives. Most significantly, it says that possibly Janie died of cancer, or maybe it was her sister-in-law Elizabeth. The wording is ambiguous, and I’m not clear on whether the dates fit. You decide.

Her first letter begins:

Dear [my name],

It was very interesting to get your call and now the family tree information I had often wondered about Bessie Trebbe as it seemed like she never let my dad [Willis] know where she moved to after she was married. I don’t know whether he knew she was divorced. I think Aunt Emma knew something about her as I think she had a picture of her on a horse.

[In Bessie’s handwritten account] I think Bessie was mistaken in thinking Aunt Jennie (my dad always called her Jennie) came to Kansas with her parents, as my grandfather Vickers died in Kentucky and buried in Warren Co. I think I have heard that grandma Vickers and my father Willis lived with his oldest brother John before they moved to Kansas. They could have traveled to Kansas with the Spradlings [Malinda’s married name, sister of Hannah Jane] as that is who they lived with until my father had a good job & could support his mother. After my parents were married on Oct. 15, 1902, she continued to live with them until a while before my sister Reba was born. She went by train back to her daughter Nancy’s either in Glasgo or Smiths Grove, Ky. My dad used to receive letters from relatives in both places.

John Vickers & his wife Elizabeth came out to Ks for a visit and the pictures of them with my dad [Willis], grandma [Eliza Ann] and either Malinda or Hannah J. was taken at that time. The hair style looks like (another picture) Jennie’s shortly before she died of cancer. As you can see from the dates of birth my dad [Willis] was lots younger than his brother John, by 20 yrs.

Ms. Vivian Schutz writes some on her cousin Gervis and his father Fred Vickers and her cousin Marvin Dow, who died on May 12, 1993. But I won’t transcribe it here, since it does not relate directly to our family line.

I’m sorry I can’t give you any information about the Rylands. It doesn’t look like Bessie knew much, but at least she knew when he [Frank] died and where he is buried . . . .

The information about the Mansfields was all new to me. My sister Reba and her husband, Jack, lived on the Price’s farm near Soap Lake, WA. Reba had heard something about a possible Indian ancestor, but I thought it was supposed to have been on the Vickers side. Aunt Emma Price told Reba she had asked her mother why James V. hadn’t applied for Indian benefits, but he’d said that there was no real record.? [her question mark]

Transcription ends.

Then Ms. Vivian Schutz goes into some personal data, like her teaching career and her 59th anniversary with her husband Ray, who was 84 on Dec. 4, 1994. She and her husband travel in a big motor home and are happy in retirement.

November 28, 1994

This is a second letter from Vivian Schutz. After talking about photos that she sent, she writes about the Vickers family. Recall that Grandma Vickers is Eliza Ann, and Jenny is Hannah Jane (Janie) or Aunt Jenny to Ms. Schutz.

Her second letter begins:

Dear [my name],

. . . There isn’t much more I can think of to tell you about grandma Vickers [Eliza Ann] & Jenny. Grandma may not have been too easy for my mother to get along with, but I think they both tried. My dad Willis was no doubt much loved by the whole family as he corresponded with several.

He and grandma Eliza lived with John [son of Eliza and brother of Willis], who I’m sure used cuss words which my father as a boy of 12 or 13 disapproved of, as he never used any cuss words and corrected Reba & I for by-words of gosh and gee-whiz. Also he never drank, but he tasted cube tobacco as he cut off plugs at the store he did get to using some tobacco.

As I remember from my mother & cousin Ada, my dad & some of his nieces who he escorted used to go to country dances, but because my mother didn’t dance it was not approved as Reba & I grew up. We went some after we were on our own. So I’d say that probably Jenny went to dances. I’m sure that Grandma and her daughters were Methodists. My folks joined the Church of Christ when they lived in Dill and Singing Schools were conducted in those years.

I think most of the family turned out pretty well. Aunt Emma was probably the most worldly having been married three times and was still going to Grange dances with Uncle Charles & as a widow who like circle dances so she could get in. I don’t know when she saw Bessie, but I think she saw her after she got married. Bessie lived around with different ones after Jennie died.

Transcription ends.

The rest of the letter does not concern the family directly. Ms. Schutz mentions that she has arthritis, but she enjoys the retired life of traveling.